Biobased Facts

Biobased Facts

While the bioeconomy is still in its infancy, enough has been done that we can begin to see its potential. Here are facts on some of the benefits that have already been (or will soon be realized) because of the bioeconomy.

Iowa Biobased Facts

Iowa has already benefited from the expanded production and use of ethanol, but the bioeconomy promises much more for the Hawkeye State in the years ahead. Here are some of those benefits—and some ways the bioeconomy has been changing Iowa recently.

• The report, Biobased Products and Bioenergy Vision and Roadmap for Iowa (PDF), shows that Iowa leads all 48 contiguous states regarding the volume of available biomass.  The report also shows Iowa leads all Midwest states in total biobased products sales volume
• Iowa boasts the 15th largest concentration of biotechnology companies in the nation and is a hotbed for new investments.  More than 200 companies involved in some aspect of biotechnology are doing business from Iowa locations.
• Ethanol production keeps Iowa’s economy growing (PDF) – spending more than $5.1 billion on raw materials and adding 20-50 cents to the value of every bushel of corn.
• Click here for more Iowa Biobased Facts.

General Biobased Facts

Iowa won't be the only beneficiary of a biobased future.  Here are some ways in which the bioindustry has been changing how industry as a whole works, as well as the potential it holds for the near future. 

• By 2025, America’s farms, forests and ranches will provide 25% of the total energy consumed in the United States while continuing to produce safe, abundant and affordable food, feed, and fiber.  
• By some estimates, if the United States were to triple its use of biobased products by 2010, farmers and rural communities would realize some $20 billion in new income each year from 50,000 new high-tech jobs in small processing plants across rural America, and up to 130,000 jobs in the biopower and biofuels industries, i.e., ethanol and biodiesel.  
• The International Journal of Cancer suggests that regular consumption of soy protein enriched foods and beverages may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 30%.  
• Click here for more general Biobased Facts.